Direxiv to quit F1

Direxiv, who sponsor McLaren-Mercedes and Alex Wurz and were unsuccessful in a bid for a place on the 2008 F1 grid, are to substantially reduce their involvement in motor sport, it is being reported. As well as ending their Formula One sponsorships they will terminate their support of Japanese GP2 driver Hiroki Yoshimoto and his team DPR Direxiv.

An announcement from Direxiv stated that a change in policy by their supporting company Akiyama holdings forced the decision. A statement on the Direxiv website only confirms the dropping of Yoshimoto.

Direxiv had been one of the stronger contenders for a place on the grid in 2008, but lost out to Prodrive. The Formula One grid will expand to twelve teams in 2008 but this news dims hopes that the grid could expand further.